PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-7700 vs Xeon W-2123 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-7700 vs Xeon W-2123: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-7700

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $22 less on MSRP ($272 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Delivers 9.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 31.8 vs 29.0 PassMark/$ ($272 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
✅Draws 65W instead of 120W, a 55W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while Xeon W-2123 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon W-2123, which brings 4 cores / 8 threads and 48 PCIe lanes.
❌No AVX-512 support for niche heavy compute workloads where it can matter.

Xeon W-2123

2017

Why buy it

✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 4 cores / 8 threads, plus 48 PCIe lanes vs 16.
✅200% more PCIe lanes (48 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅AVX-512 support for select workstation, AI, and scientific workloads.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-7700 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (8,519 vs 8,642).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 29.0 vs 31.8 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $272 MSRP).
❌84.6% higher power demand at 120W vs 65W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-7700 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-7700 better than Xeon W-2123?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon W-2123 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-7700 is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-7700 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-7700 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-7700 is the better buy right now. Core i7-7700 comes in $22 cheaper on MSRP at $272 MSRP versus $294 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 9.6% better value on MSRP (31.8 vs 29.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon W-2123 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting AVX-512 support for heavier modern compute workloads. That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-7700 vs Xeon W-2123 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-7700

The Core i7-7700 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,642 points. Launch price was $303.

Xeon W-2123

The Xeon W-2123 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (server) (2017−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8.25 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2066. Thermal design power (TDP): 120 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600, DDR4-1866, DDR4-2133, DDR4-2400, DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 8,519 points. Launch price was $294.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7700 and Xeon W-2123 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.2 GHz on the Core i7-7700 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon W-2123 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-7700 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-7700 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Xeon W-2123 uses Skylake (server) (2017−2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7700 scores 8,642 against the Xeon W-2123's 8,519 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-7700. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-7700 vs 8.25 MB (total) on the Xeon W-2123.

Feature	Core i7-7700	Xeon W-2123
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.2 GHz+8%	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8.25 MB (total)+3%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Skylake (server) (2017−2018)
PassMark	8,642+1%	8,519
Cinebench R23 Multi	1,435	—
Geekbench 6 Single	—	1,172
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	4,215

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7700 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon W-2123 uses LGA2066 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i7-7700 versus DDR4-2666 on the Xeon W-2123 — the Xeon W-2123 supports 11.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon W-2123 supports up to 512 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 2 (Core i7-7700) vs 4 (Xeon W-2123). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-7700) vs 48 (Xeon W-2123) — the Xeon W-2123 offers 32 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: 100-series,200-series (Core i7-7700) and C422 (Xeon W-2123).

Feature	Core i7-7700	Xeon W-2123
Socket	LGA1151	LGA2066
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	DDR4-2666+11%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	512 GB+700%
RAM Channels	2	4+100%
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	48+200%

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Xeon W-2123 supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-7700) vs Yes (Xeon W-2123). The Core i7-7700 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the Xeon W-2123 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-7700 targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-7700 rivals Ryzen 5 1600.

Feature	Core i7-7700	Xeon W-2123
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	Yes
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	Yes
Target Use	Gaming	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-7700 was priced at $272, while the Xeon W-2123 came in at $294. On launch pricing ($272 vs $294), Core i7-7700 was $22 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-7700 delivers 31.8 pts/$ vs 29.0 pts/$ for the Xeon W-2123 — making the Core i7-7700 the 9.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-7700	Xeon W-2123
MSRP	$272-7%	$294
Performance per Dollar	31.8+10%	29.0
Release Date	2017	2017

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